How can we teach students the most vital skills to function as citizens? Since the early 19th century, preparation for civic life has been the central reason for public schools. As part of a multi-year effort to reinvigorate the civic mission of schools, in 2016 the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) added […]

“I’ve found that if I pick the right primary sources…[I can make the lesson more accessible]. For example, I just gave some students an evacuation poster (after Order 9066 [–forcing Japanese relocation to camps]) that was selected for its minimal text which was heavy on vocabulary they would know or be able to figure out […]

The passage of the Social Security Act is a watershed event in the changing role of the US government. It is history with personal relevance to the many students whose home supports are affected by the US Social Security system, including some students with disabilities. Emerging America has been collecting lesson plans that address Disability […]

EMERGING AMERICA HISTORY eNEWS Vol. 6, Issue 12 for March 27, 2019 NEWS Mass History and Social Science Policy Update: MCAS will start with grade 8 civics. There may or may not be future assessments in elementary or high school. DESE is developing pilot, anticipated in spring 2020–more info to come. Civic Engagement projects must […]